Lauderdale Air Show

B-1B Lancer

Lauderdale Air Show — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 18:45:11 +0000

The multi-mission B-1 is the backbone of America’s long-range bomber force. Carrying the largest payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, it can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time.
The B-1B’s blended wing/body configuration, variable-geometry wings and turbofan afterburning engines, combine to provide long range, maneuverability and high speed. Forward wing settings are used for takeoff, landings, air refueling and in some high-altitude weapons employment scenarios. Aft wing sweep settings – the main combat configuration — are typically used during high subsonic and supersonic flight.

The B-1 is a highly versatile, multi-mission weapon system. The B-1B’s synthetic aperture radar is capable of tracking, targeting and engaging moving vehicles as well as self-targeting and terrain-following modes. In addition, an extremely accurate Global Positioning System-aided Inertial Navigation System enables aircrews to navigate without the aid of ground-based navigation aids as well as engage targets with a high level of precision. The B-1B’s onboard self-protection electronic jamming equipment, radar warning receiver and expendable countermeasures system complement its low-radar cross-section to form an integrated, robust defense system that supports penetration of hostile airspace. The electronic countermeasures system detects and identifies the full spectrum of adversary threat emitters then applies the appropriate jamming technique either automatically or through operator inputs.

The B-1A was initially developed in the 1970s as a replacement for the B-52. Four prototypes of this long-range, high speed (Mach 2.2) strategic bomber were developed and tested in the mid-1970s, but the program was canceled in 1977 before going into production. Flight testing continued through 1981. The B-1B is an improved variant initiated by the Reagan administration in 1981. Major changes included the addition of additional structure to increase payload by 74,000 pounds, an improved radar and reduction of the radar cross section by an order of magnitude. The inlet was extensively modified as part of this RCS reduction, necessitating a reduction in maximum speed to Mach 1.2. The first production B-1 flew in October 1984, and the first B-1B was delivered to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, in June 1985. Initial operational capability was achieved on Oct. 1, 1986. The final B-1B was delivered May 2, 1988. The B-1B holds almost 50 world records for speed, payload, range, and time of climb in its class. The National Aeronautic Association recognized the B-1B for completing one of the 10 most memorable record flights for 1994. The most recent records were made official in 2004.

F-15 Formation Flight (Sun)

Lauderdale Air Show — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:05:10 +0000

The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield. The Eagle’s air superiority is achieved through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability and acceleration, range, weapons and avionics. It can penetrate enemy defense and outperform and outfight any current enemy aircraft. The F-15 has electronic systems and weaponry to detect, acquire, track and attack enemy aircraft while operating in friendly or enemy-controlled airspace. The weapons and flight control systems are designed so one person can safely and effectively perform air-to-air combat.

The F-15′s superior maneuverability and acceleration are achieved through high engine thrust-to-weight ratio and low wing loading. Low wing-loading (the ratio of aircraft weight to its wing area) is a vital factor in maneuverability and, combined with the high thrust-to-weight ratio, enables the aircraft to turn tightly without losing airspeed. The pilot’s head-up display projects on the windscreen all essential flight information gathered by the integrated avionics system. This display, visible in any light condition, provides information necessary to track and destroy an enemy aircraft without having to look down at cockpit instruments.

A variety of air-to-air weaponry can be carried by the F-15. An automated weapon system enables the pilot to perform aerial combat safely and effectively, using the head-up display and the avionics and weapons controls located on the engine throttles or control stick. The Eagle can be armed with combinations of different air-to-air weapons from medium range air-to-air missiles on its lower fuselage corners, sidewinder missiles on two pylons under the wings, and an internal 20mm Gatling gun.

Red Bull Helicopter

Lauderdale Air Show — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 01:26:56 +0000

“Malibu” Chuck Aaron is the first – and only – civilian pilot ever to be licensed to perform helicopter aerobatics in the United States. In fact, he’s one of only three pilots permitted to execute the dangerous maneuvers internationally. Chuck is also the first helicopter pilot to be presented with the Art Scholl Showmanship Award, an honor bestowed by the International Council of Air Shows to recognize the world’s most outstanding air show performers, and was inducted in 2011 to the prestigious Society of Experimental Test Pilots. But the blond, mustachioed pilot isn’t one to brag – or to rest on his laurels. Chuck takes to the road much of the year, piloting the one-of-a-kind Red Bull Helicopter through breathtaking air show choreography including backflips, 360-degree rolls, and a heartstopping tumble called the Chuckcilvak. “People can’t believe what they’re seeing, Chuck laughs. “How can a helicopter do all those crazy things?” Born in San Antonio, Chuck first flew a helicopter at age 20 and built a career through hard work, moving up from crop duster and traffic reporter to film and television stunt pilot. He helped the U.S. Department of Defense develop and test night-vision systems, and he even rebuilt three Cobras from leftover military parts. In 2004, he joined forces with Red Bull to take on a daunting challenge: figuring out how to perform aerobatics in a helicopter. After devoting nearly two years with the Flying Bulls team to modify and test a Messerschmitt-Bölkow Blohm BO-105, devise maneuvers, and determine how to make the aircraft perform them, in 2006 Chuck guided the Red Bull Helicopter through its U.S. debut. Today, Chuck has logged more than 18,000 hours in the air and performed aerobatics with the Red Bull Helicopter at more than 125 air shows and events from coast to coast. “I love doing things nobody has ever done,” he declares, “as well as the opportunities the Red Bull Helicopter offers me.”

Black Diamond Jet Team

Lauderdale Air Show — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:21:49 +0000

Black Diamonds are coming to Fort Lauderdale fighter jet style! The nation’s premier jet demonstration team will perform dazzling formation and solo aerobatics in their white, grey and black camouflage L-39′s. The Black Diamond Jet Team features two of the top civilian pilots in the country including legendary Dale ‘Snort’ Snodgrass and team lead Jerry ‘Jive’ Kerby. The team’s pilot roster also includes two of the pilots from the 2009-2010 U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, John ‘Slick’ Baum and Sean ‘Stroker’ Gustafson.

GEICO Skytypers

Lauderdale Air Show — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:19:57 +0000

The World Famous GEICO Skytypers Airshow Team are a flight squadron of six vintage WWII era U.S. Navy SNJ-2′s performing precision flight maneuvers at select airshows across the country. The diverse flying expertise of the team members aligns perfectly with the unique components of their overall performance. They are the only civilian squadron in the nation currently appearing at air shows and flying WWII aircraft. There are only 11 SNJ-2′s still in existence and the team flies six of them. Their low level precision formation flying combined with a thrilling aeronautical demonstration highlight the unique capabilities of the aircraft while adding a richness to the history of Naval aviation and its core foundation.

In addition to their air show performance, the Skytypers are famous for their skytyped messages in the sky. Known as the world’s largest aerial billboards, they are 17 times faster than skywriting producing a letter every four seconds. The messages are as tall as the Empire State Building and can extend up to 8 miles in length. They are visible from up to 15 miles in any direction or nearly 400 square miles.

Red Bull Air Force

Lauderdale Air Show — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:18:52 +0000

The Team, the Adrenaline, the Insanity, the Vibe. The Red Bull Air Force is a team of some of the best parachute guys in the World. They do just about anything for the rush, whether it’s skydiving, wingsuiting, base jumping, or paragliding, they’ll take it to an all new level. Did you see the wing-suited guys flying between skyscrpaers in the movie Transformers 3? That was them. Who knows what they’ll do when they come to Fort Lauderdale Beach for the Lauderdale Air Show…

Coast Guard SAR Demo

Lauderdale Air Show — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:23:10 +0000

Search and Rescue (SAR) is one of the Coast Guard’s oldest missions. Minimizing the loss of life, injury, property damage or loss by rendering aid to persons in distress and property in the maritime environment has always been a Coast Guard priority. Coast Guard SAR response involves multi-mission stations, cutters, aircraft and boats linked by communications networks. The Coast Guard is recognized worldwide as a leader in the field of search and rescue and they will showcase their Search and Rescue capabilities at the Lauderdale Air Show with a multi-aircraft demonstration featuring the famed Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers.

F-18 Hornet Demo

Lauderdale Air Show — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 19:00:05 +0000

The Boeing F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine supersonic, all-weather carrier-capable multirole fighter jet, designed to dogfight and attack ground targets (F/A for Fighter/Attack). Designed by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop, the F/A-18 was derived from the latter’s YF-17 in the 1970s for use by the United States Navy and Marine Corps. It has been the aerial demonstration aircraft for the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, since 1986.

The F/A-18 has a top speed of Mach 1.8. It can carry a wide variety of bombs and missiles, including air-to-air and air-to-ground, supplemented by the 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon. It is powered by two General Electric F404 turbofan engines, which give the aircraft a high thrust-to-weight ratio. The F/A-18 has excellent aerodynamic characteristics, primarily attributed to its leading edge extensions. The fighter’s primary missions are fighter escort, fleet air defense, Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, air interdiction, close air support and aerial reconnaissance. Its versatility and reliability have proven it to be a valuable carrier asset.

Mike Goulian – Extra 330

Lauderdale Air Show — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:59:30 +0000

Mike Goulian doesn’t just fly an air show; he attacks it. Millions of air show spectators around the globe have witnessed the ferocity of a Mike Goulian air show performance. Every roll, pull, and tumble of his flight is a deliberate execution of precision. With his aggressive approach to the air show arena, Mike Goulian has mastered the ability to convey his message of passion through flight. Mike’s crisp, athletic style of flying is the evolution of his landmark career as an aerobatic competitor. Mike reached the pinnacle of the sport when he won the United States Unlimited Aerobatic Championship at only 27 years of age. He was honored to represent the United States at the World Aerobatic Championship on three separate occasions.

Mike returned to the competitive world with his participation in the famed Red Bull Air Race series. He was chosen once again to represent the United States on a global stage. Mike’s relentless pursuit of perfection earned him a first place win in Budapest, Hungary in 2009 and he continues to redefine what is possible in the air. His ability to push the limits while adhering to strict safety standards has earned Mike the reputation of being a true professional in his field. He was recognized for his efforts when the aviation industry bestowed upon him its greatest honors. He is one of a seven people to have been awarded all three of the air show industries most prestigious awards; the Art Scholl Memorial (2006) Showmanship Award, and the Bill Barber Award for Showmanship (2009), and the ICAS Sword of Excellence (2012).

Today, Mike’s performance is the perfect marriage between man and machine. The only airplane capable of delivering a Mike Goulian performance is the EXTRA 330SC. Composed of high tech, lightweight carbon-fiber and rugged steel construction, the EXTRA 330SC is the world’s most high performance aerobatic airplane.

Mike Wiskus

Lauderdale Air Show — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:18:14 +0000

Like many of the show pilots, Mike’s passion for aviation started when he was very young. Mike’s Dad took him to his first air show at their home town in Iowa at the age of 10. The show made an everlasting impression so deep that at 14, Mike begged for a job at the Mason City Iowa airport washing airplanes and cleaning hangars just to be around airplanes. Later, he traded his work for flying lessons and received his Pilots License on his 17th birthday.

Thirty years later, Mike has accumulated more than 23,000 flight hours and has qualified in more than 30 aircraft. Today, Mike keeps busy by flying for Corporate America as well as keeping a full time air show schedule from April through November. Mike owns and operates a high quality aircraft maintenance and refurbishing facility in the Minneapolis, MN. area in addition to his Corporate Aircraft Management company where he manages several corporate flight departments. But his real passion is strapping himself in to one of the highest performance air show aircraft in the world. The Lucas Oil Pitts show plane.

As a 2002 U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, and a member of the 2004 United States Aerobatic Team, Mike has traveled the World with the same aircraft you will see him performing in at the air show. His excitement for aviation and willingness to share his aviation experience with people around the country is nothing short of contagious. This year, Mike’s schedule will include more than 20 air shows with more than 60 performances throughout the U.S. and Canada. This is Mike’s 6th Season flying air shows and his 4rd year to fly for Lucas Oil.